Collection:
SPRING

There’s something about spring that makes us want to take stock and organize. Maybe it’s the longer days or a reaction to being cooped up all winter. Whatever the reason, spring is a perfect time to take a hard look at your cosmetics and skincare products, and weed out anything that is old, outdated, or just not working for you.

We’ve all been guilty of “product hoarding” – hanging on to those random samples and half-used products that clutter up our bathrooms. However, cosmetics have a shelf life, as do skincare products, and i... Read More

There’s something about spring that makes us want to take stock and organize. Maybe it’s the longer days or a reaction to being cooped up all winter. Whatever the reason, spring is a perfect time to take a hard look at your cosmetics and skincare products, and weed out anything that is old, outdated, or just not working for you.

We’ve all been guilty of “product hoarding” – hanging on to those random samples and half-used products that clutter up our bathrooms. However, cosmetics have a shelf life, as do skincare products, and if yours are past their prime, pitch them. You’re not doing your skin any favors. In fact, bacteria and microbes can build up in old product, and actually cause additional skin problems.

For makeup, here’s a quick cheat sheet to decide when it’s time to pitch:

2 years: blush, eye shadow, powder, concealer

1 year: brow pencil, lip liner, lipstick, eyeliner, foundation

3-6 months: mascara

Of course, if a product starts to change in appearance, texture or smell, it’s time to toss regardless of how long you’ve had it. It’s also important to keep your makeup brushes and applicators clean, and wash them regularly with antibacterial soap.

Other reasons to get rid of makeup? If you’ve had an eye infection, immediately get rid of any products you’ve used around your eye area, including mascara and eye liner.

Skincare products vary widely in their formulations, but many of the ingredients most beneficial for skin, such as retinol, Vitamin C and other antioxidants, can lose potency when exposed to light and air. That’s why you’ll always find OZNaturals products packaged to limit exposure, and maintain optimal freshness and strength. Opaque tubes for our cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreen and mask, airtight pumps for our toner and eye gel, and dropper bottles for our serums keep our active ingredients at peak potency.

Any skin care product with antioxidants that come in a jar begin to immediately lose potency as soon as the jar has been opened. This is not only a terrible way to keep unstable antioxidants from degrading, but it’s also unhygienic. Every time you dip your fingers into a jar, bacteria from your hands can be transferred to the product. Ick. So, as pretty as they may look lined up on your bathroom counter, toss the products in jar packaging and replace them with products that have been packaged to keep their active ingredients fresh.

It’s also wise to keep your skincare products at a stable temperature. Avoid leaving them in a sunny window or near a heat source, which can cause the product to degrade. A dark cabinet or drawer is usually the best bet.

The good news is that fresh, well-packaged products made with effective, active ingredients will deliver far greater results than any collection of half-used samples and opened products ever will. This is truly a case where less can be more. The results you get from using good products will also motivate you to stay consistent with your skin care regimen, and use up your products in a timely manner. So spend a few minutes making a clean sweep of old, opened and ineffective products, and start reaping the rewards of healthier skin.

Here are our top picks to get you started on the new season:

Vitamin C Cleanser: Start your spring cleaning with your skin. Our Vitamin C Cleanser is infused with antioxidants to brighten up a dull complexion. Gentle and sulfate free, it can be used by all skin types.

Bamboo Enzyme Facial Scrub: Get rid of the remnants of winter skin with this gentle exfoliant. It removes dead skin cells and prepares your skin to benefit from any products that follow.

Sea Infused Moisturizer: We’re firm believers in the power of antioxidants, which this lightweight moisturizer delivers big-time! Vitamin C and blueberry extract, along with nourishing coconut oil and marine extracts, will banish winter dullness.

Vitamin C + Sea Mask: Post-winter skin can often feel a little dry and lifeless. Our Vitamin C + Sea Mask is the perfect antidote. Deeply hydrating and loaded with Vitamin C and marine botanicals, it will bring the bloom back to your cheeks.